Dear IAVA Supporter, 

After six years of war, providing real support for troops and veterans is both our country’s moral obligation and a critical national security priority. As the first and largest nonprofit and non-partisan organization for veterans of the current wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is uniquely qualified to help all Americans act decisively in support of troops and veterans.

Since our founding in 2004, IAVA has been at the forefront of the new veterans’ movement. We have worked closely with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to respond to armor shortages, rising rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the bureaucratic challenges faced by wounded troops. In addition to our appearances in national and local media, IAVA has partnered with the Ad Council to produce a historic, multi-year, national Public Service Announcement campaign addressing troops’ mental health concerns. IAVA members also testify regularly before Congress on issues ranging from suicide prevention and family benefits to the Montgomery GI Bill.

IAVA is proud of our work with Congress and our fellow military and veterans service organizations to improve the lives of troops, veterans and military families. We made great progress in 2007. The Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act passed the House and Senate unanimously, proving that all of Congress can work together in support of returning troops. We also saw real momentum to improve education benefits for National Guardsmen and Reservists, to increase access to VA care, to refund bonuses to wounded troops, and to protect the jobs of military families. Perhaps most important, Congress passed the single largest budget increase for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 77 years. But there is much more to be done. The 2008 IAVA Legislative Agenda addresses the entire continuum of care troops need – before, during and after deployment. Our recommendations fall into five categories: Mental Health , Homecoming , Health Care and Benefits , Military Readiness , and Government Accountability . From these areas, we’ve chosen six IAVA 2008 Legislative Priorities: actions Congress must take this session to support the men and women who have served and continue to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the voice of our nation’s newest generation of combat veterans, IAVA is prepared to lead the way. We look forward to continuing our work with the 110th Congress.

Sincerely,

Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq War Veteran
Founder and Executive Director
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America